Philomela

John Gregory, Philomela, 1922, bronze on a marble base, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1984.4
Copied John Gregory, Philomela, 1922, bronze on a marble base, figure: 129 143 12 in. (30.523.28.9 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1984.4

Artwork Details

Title
Philomela
Artist
Founder
Roman Bronze Works
Date
1922
Dimensions
figure: 129 143 12 in. (30.523.28.9 cm.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze on a marble base
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure female
  • Fantasy — winged being
  • Mythology — classical — Philomela
Object Number
1984.4

Artwork Description

The large version of Philomela was commissioned by Payne Whitney, an avid sportsman and philanthropist, for a bird garden on his country estate in Long Island. It shows the mythological character Philomela crouching down while looking back over one shoulder. The serene pose and rich patina of the figure was meant to complement its setting, among the ten thousand rose bushes and countless other flowers of the Whitney garden.